The Gironistes began the match full of confidence and did not look anything like a side that were only outside of the bottom three on goal difference heading into this clash.
Miguel Gutierrez, Toni Villa and Valery Fernandez all shot wide with speculative efforts, while Unai Simon was nearly caught out by Aleix García’s deflected free-kick which he just about managed to parry past the post.
Athletic Club were having to contend with wave after wave of attacks from the Catalans, and Simon had to be alert again to push Yangel Herrera’s strike over the bar.
Ernesto Valverde’s side managed to slow down the pace of the contest, and Paulo Gazzaniga preserved parity at the other end with a fine save to push away Raul Garcia’s effort.
It was a frenetic start to the second half, with chances for both sides.Gutierrez raced to the byline and teed up Valentin Castellanos, who blasted a shot at Simon, while Gazzaniga made another impressive save to push away a Nico Williams strike.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 66th minute thanks to Lopez, who powered a header through Simon’s grasp after meeting Aleix Garcia’s enticing in-swinging free-kick.
The Estadi Montilivi was in raptures when Girona doubled their advantage thanks to substitute Ivan Martin, who latched onto a long ball forward, raced towards goal and fired home his first LaLiga goal in the 75th minute.
This absorbing match took another twist when Bilbao halved the deficit through Gorka Guruzeta, whose stunning volley flew into the back of the net.
It proved to be nothing more than a blemish on an otherwise fine evening for the Catalans, who are still yet to keep a clean sheet this season.
A third win of the season for Girona at least temporarily moves Michel’s men up to 12th, while Los Leones missed out on a chance to climb into the top three after their winless run on the road was extended to four games.
Flashscore Man of the Match: David Lopez (Girona)